DFM
TIME OUT FOR ADF AND
VETERANS’ KIDS
T
he Department of
Veterans’ Affairs is
providing
$2.1 million over two years
to the well-established
Australian Kookaburra
Kids Foundation to
develop and deliver the
pilot program.
The program will provide
respite camps, activity days
and age-appropriate mental
health education. It will
focus on developing coping
skills and resilience, while
allowing children to bond with
peers who are facing similar
challenges.
“We know from our vast
experience the positive
impact and the difference our
program makes to the lives of
children who have a parent
with mental illness,” said
Kookaburra Kids Chief
Executive, Pam Brown.
“We will deliver a program
to ADF families that will
support them through the
complex mental health journey
and give these children hope
for their future.
“We are proud the
Government has recognised
the success of the Kookaburra
Kids program.
“They have endorsed our
ability to deliver a program to
children from serving and
ex-serving ADF families who
have been affected by mental
illness as a result of military
service.”
The program will start
in New South Wales in May
and the Australian Capital
Territory in July. The program
will then expand into the
Northern Territory and
Queensland in 2018.
The program will replicate
the good work delivered
by the existing program in
New South Wales, and will
include enhancements,
where necessary, to support
the unique needs of the
Defence and ex-serving
community.
The free program is open
to children aged 8 to18 years
who have a parent with a
mental illness as a result of
their military service. n
www.kookaburrakids.
org.au
TRACIE JUNGHANS
23
The Kookaburra Kids pilot program will
give ADF kids the opportunity to
develop coping skills and resilience.
Photos used with permission.
May2017
A pilot program TO SUPPORT THE CHILDREN of
current and former Australian Defence Force members
who have been AFFECTED BY MENTAL
ILLNESS has just been launched.